Player Ratings: QPR 2-3 Sunderland

Once again QPR showed a lack of strength in defense, leaving Kenny to face a barrage of shots. He dealt with it as best he could, and there was nothing he could have done about the goal.

Looked lively going forwards, but failed to do his job defensively, giving Larsson a lot of space down QPR's left side.

Failed to win defensive headers on a couple of occasions, but coped well with almost no protection from his midfielders.

Richardson gave the right back a torrid time, beating him a number of times through a combination of pace and skill. An evening the former Aston Villa man will want to forget.

Showed energy in midfield, but could not prevent his side from looking as bare defensively as it did against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Argentinian has not been on form of late, and it was more of the same tonight, with a truly average performance.

Tenacious as ever and battling for the ball at every opportunity, but failed to bring the stability that is much needed in the home side's midfield.

Substituted at halftime, but up until that point he looked like the home side's brightest player on the wings, worrying defenders with his pace.

A danger throughout the match, showing energy and pace across the entire pitch. Did well to get on the scoresheet with a neat reading of play.

Did well to get the run on two of the visitors' defenders for his goal and generally threatened aerially throughout the match. Also provided a great assist for Mackie's goal, climbing well to leave the midfielder with a tap-in.

Could not really do much about either goal, and made a fantastic save from Colback in the second half to keep his side in the match.

A day to forget for the left back. Turned inside out by Wright-Phillips in the first half, and looked equally frail in the second.

Looked strong in the first half, but has to take some of the blame for letting QPR back into this match. Beaten too easily for Helguson's bundled finish. Managed to clinch the winner with a glancing header.

Gave Young an absolutely awful time down the right wing. Showed pace, skill and great final delivery.

The only defender for the visitors who still looked in control in the second half. What he lacked in pace against a mixture of Wright-Phillips and Faurlin, he made up for with some inspired positioning.

Crumbled in the second half to allow QPR back into the match. Took a lot of stick from the home supporters and it looks as though it affected his game.

Martin O'Neill will be happy with his captain's first start under his tenure. He dictated play and also made some crucial tackles.

Larsson showed what he is capable of again today, beating his man time and time again and delivering some pinpoint crosses. Substituted half way through the second half.

A great performance from the midfielder. Did his job well, breaking up everything the opposition tried to create in the center of the pitch.

This performance typified the Dane. Started the match anonymous failing to win a number of headers, but turned it around after his goal and always wanted the ball. Frustratingly brilliant.